Give your topical creams some backup, and care for your face naturally, as well. Nutritionist Dana James shared the good things to eat for a flawless complexion.

Papaya

Papaya

You've probably used papaya in a facial scrub, but are you eating it, too? The fruit is a vitamin C serum and exfoliant all-in-one. It contains two days' worth of vitamin C, which helps to brighten and tighten skin. It's packed with vitamin A compounds, which regulate cell turnover in much the same way that a topical retinol-A does, albeit gentler. Papaya also contains the digestive enzyme, papain, which helps decrease redness in the skin by combating inflammation.

The Easy Recipes: A golden smoothie made with papaya, almond milk, and raw honey is a skin elixir. Or try fish topped with a papaya, carrot, and cilantro salsa.

Coconut Kefir

Coconut Kefir

You've heard of coconut water. Now it's time to get acquainted with its even richer counterpart, coconut kefir, which is made by fermenting coconut water with beneficial bacteria. A shot of coconut kefir contains 15 billion CFU of probiotics, which is three times more than most commercial yogurt. These beneficial bacteria keep skin clear by crowding out pathogenic microbes, which can cause acne and hormonal imbalances. Coconut kefir is naturally sweet, which means it can also help to appease cravings for our skin's biggest foe, sugar.

The Easy Recipe: Drink coconut kefir first thing in the morning on an empty stomach; this will keep more of the probiotics alive.